Bob Christensen Died: Rockford’s Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Passed Away at 76
Rockford, Illinois, a city known for its industrial heritage and scenic parks, has lost one of its most prominent and beloved entrepreneurs. Bob Christensen, the owner of three TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises in Northern and Central Illinois, passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Linda Christensen, his son, Cory Christensen, his daughter, Kelly Christensen, and his grandchildren.
Bob was more than just a successful businessman. He was a visionary leader, a generous philanthropist, and a caring mentor. He started his journey with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in 1993, when he partnered with his son, Cory, to open their first franchise in Rockford. Since then, they have expanded their operations to Peoria and Quad Cities, creating hundreds of jobs and serving thousands of customers.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a national moving company that was founded in 1985 by brothers Brig and Jon Sorber. The company’s motto is “Movers Who Care”, and Bob Christensen embodied that spirit in every aspect of his work. He was passionate about providing quality service, exceeding customer expectations, and giving back to the community. He was also committed to developing his team members, offering them training, support, and opportunities for growth.
Christensen was a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the Rockford area. He was actively involved in several local organizations, such as the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Rockford Rotary Club. He also supported various charitable causes, such as the Rockford Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, and the United Way. He was honored with numerous awards, such as the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in 2004, and the Franchisee of the Year by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in 2010.
Bob Christensen’s legacy will live on through his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his customers. He will be remembered as a man who made a positive difference in the lives of many people, and who left a lasting mark on the Rockford community. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
